Tips
Plan ahead
Become familiar with procedures, priority dates and deadlines.
File the FAFSA
Find this government-issued form online. Be sure to list Mount St. Joseph University and its six-digit code, 003033. We’ll be able to access your information electronically as soon as it is processed. The FAFSA is available online October 1.
Apply early
The best time to file the FAFSA for maximum, timely consideration is between October 1 and March 1 using your tax return from two year prior.
Do your research
Be sure to research scholarships and grants, especially local sources. Find help in a variety of places, including:
- The Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
- The Junior League of Cincinnati
- Parent teacher associations
- Your high school counselors
- Your place of employment
- Your parents’ place of employment
- Your affiliated religious organizations
Respond to information requests
Promptly reply to all requests from the Mount for additional information so that we can quickly process your request.
Keep records
Complete all forms carefully and keep copies of them for your records. You may be asked to submit documentation to verify information on the FAFSA.
Ask questions
Contact Student Administrative Services with any questions or concerns you may have. Feel free to email, call (513) 244-4418 or schedule an appointment to discuss your situation.
Consider special circumstances
If you or your family’s financial circumstances change after your initial evaluation, or after you submit your FAFSA, contact Student Administrative Services regarding possible adjustments. Visit our forms and applications page to download a special circumstance form.
Reapply every year
Financial aid is not automatically renewed. Each year, you must file a FAFSA by March 1 to be considered for need-based financial aid. You should also check renewal requirements on all scholarships.
Manage your debt wisely
We recommend you limit borrowing to necessary educational expenses. The Mount’s Student Administrative Services team offers debt management assistance to help you plan repayment obligations.
Take advantage of tax credits
Some tax credits carry restrictions, such as income level and whether a student attends college full-time or part-time. Interest paid on federal and private education loans can be deducted on your federal tax return.
Navigate Nelnet
Terms
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
This is a standardized form that determines your eligibility for need-based financial aid by collecting data about your family’s income and monetary assets. The EFC calculated from this data determines your financial need, PELL Grant eligibility, and, for Ohio residents, eligibility for the Ohio College Opportunity Grant.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
The combination of the parent contribution and the student contribution toward college expenses calculated from information provided by the student on the FAFSA.
Financial need
The difference between the cost of a Mount education and your EFC.
Grant
An award based on financial need that does not need to be repaid. To learn more, visit our grants page.
Loan
A sum of money lent at a specific rate of interest for a specific time. To learn more, visit our loans page.
Package
Total combination of scholarships, grants, loans, and employment offered to students to meet financial need.
Scholarship
An award typically based on ability that does not have to be repaid. To learn more, visit our scholarships page.
Student Aid Report (SAR)
The processed results of the FAFSA form sent to the student. Most students receive an electronic student aid report, or eSAR at the email address supplied on the FAFSA.
Merit-based Scholarships
These are based on grade-point average, and, if applicable, SAT or ACT scores, as well as ability in music or art.
Need-based Awards
These are based on the cost to attend the Mount minus the EFC determined by the FAFSA.
Federal Direct Loan
A federal loan consisting of subsidized or unsubsidized funds.
- Subsidized loan — the U.S. Department of Education will pay the interest on this loan for as long as you’re enrolled in school at least part-time, and during a six-month grace period after you leave school.
- Unsubsidized loan — the individual receiving the loan is responsible for paying interest that accrues on this loan while you’re in college.